SOMERSET – “When everything seems like an uphill struggle, just think of the view from the top.”

DSC_0008That quotation, from an unknown person, is used by Operation UNITE to help describe its new HOPE Wall, which will be on display at the Pulaski County Judicial Center from October 14-25.

“This wall inspires people to believe that anything is possible. Once they start believing that, you can see people become free of addictions,” said Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey T. Burdette. “The faces on this wall remind us that we’re all on the scrimmage line together – there’s no one better or worse than the other – and all fighting against addictions.”

Burdette, who along with Circuit Court Judge David A. Tapp oversee Pulaski County’s Adult Drug Court programs, was on hand as the HOPE Wall was set up Monday morning.

DSC_0010Created to celebrate sobriety from addiction and give others struggling through this addiction hope to reclaim their lives, the 20-foot long HOPE Wall features photos of individuals who are now in recovery and living clean and sober lives. The wall demonstrates that addiction has no boundaries, and that all walks of life are affected.

“In the midst of those cries for help we’re beginning to hear more tears of joy and triumph,” Fifth District Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers said during the wall’s unveiling in August.

“We know that individuals and families struggling with addiction are experiencing a lot of pain and believe they have nowhere to turn for help,” said Amy Yates, UNITE’s treatment director. “Once you make a decision to turn away from the destructive path of drugs and begin your recovery journey it is possible to find hope and rebuild your life.”

“It won’t be easy,” Yates continued, “but there are a lot of people who will assist and guide you along the way.”

Pulaski County is the first stop for the wall, which will be displayed in courthouses throughout southern and eastern Kentucky on a scheduled basis.

UNITE will periodically add new photos to the wall. Anyone who has been free from drugs for 18 months is eligible to be featured.

For more information about the HOPE Wall contact the UNITE Treatment Help Line at 1-866-908-6483.